Mexico's president blames U.S. guns and drug demand for border issues in response to Trump’s tariff threats

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo responded to President-elect Trump's threats of tariffs by blaming U.S. guns and drug demand for border issues. She stated that 70% of illegal weapons in Mexico come from the U.S. and emphasized Mexico's efforts to combat drug trafficking. Trump plans to impose a 25% tariff on Mexican goods starting in January unless Mexico curbs migration and drug flow. Pardo highlighted a 75% reduction in border encounters from December 2023 to November 2024, countering Trump's claims about Mexico's immigration efforts. Pardo warned that retaliatory tariffs would harm consumers and suggested a collaborative approach to labor mobility and addressing root causes of migration. She stated that threats and tariffs will not resolve the issues of migration or drug use.